People have been doing this the last couple of weeks and providing various reasons for needing money, police said. A popular explanation is that the person locked their keys in their car and therefore needs cash for a locksmith, police said.

The solicitors seem to be targeting elderly residents, seeking their sympathy for fabricated situations, police said. If anyone encounters one of these solicitors in Lopatcong, they are asked to call police at 908-859-2211.